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Immigrating to the U.S. is a gauntlet of forms, rules and interviews. But our attorneys are committed to making the process as quick and easy for you as possible. Visit our page on Nevada immigration laws to learn more.

All crimes in Colorado consist of "elements." An element is a fact that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt for the defendant to be convicted. In this section, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys discuss the elements of each crime. Then we explain effective ways to defend against the charge, and what penalties a conviction may carry.

Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.

Government-Related Crimes in Colorado

In Colorado, interfering with the government can lead to criminal charges. This includes impersonating a government worker, altering public records, obstructing government work, or taking money in exchange for not reporting a crime. Government related crimes can result in misdemeanor criminal charges, including fines and potential jail time. In this article, our Colorado criminal defense lawyers will address:

In Colorado, interfering with the government can lead to criminal charges. This includes impersonating a government worker, altering public records, obstructing government work, or taking money in exchange for not reporting a crime.

1. Impersonating a Public Servant C.R.S. 18-8-113

Pretending to be a public servant is a criminal violation in Colorado. “A person commits impersonating a public servant if he falsely pretends to be a public servant and performs any act in that pretend capacity.”1

An individual may pretend to be a public servant to gain access to a building to commit a crime, get preferential treatment in exchange for not reporting violations, or simply to park for free at a private event.

It is not a defense to prosecution that the office the impersonator claimed to represent did not exist. For example, if an individual in a uniform tries to enter a Denver Broncos game claiming to be part of the Colorado Concessions Enforcement Department, it is not a defense to impersonating a public servant just because the Concessions Enforcement Department does not exist.

1.1. What is a public servant?

Under Colorado law, a “public servant” is defined as “any officer or employee of the government, whether elected or appointed, and any person participating as an advisor, consultant, process server, or otherwise in performing a governmental function.”2

Public servants include police officers, fire marshals, prosecutors, mayors, state senators, city clerks, health officers, process servers, public works officers, code enforcement workers, judges, and other city, county, state, or federal officials.

While the term public servant includes police officers, impersonating a public servant is a separate offense from impersonating a police officer. Impersonating a peace officer is a much more serious offense under C.R.S. 18-8-12 and can lead to felony criminal charges.

1.2. What are the penalties for impersonating a public servant in Colorado?

Impersonating a public servant in Colorado is a class 3 misdemeanor. A conviction for impersonating a public servant is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine ranging from $50 to $750, or both.3

2. Abuse of Records C.R.S. 18-8-114

Changing, destroying, or entering false information into public records is a criminal offense in Colorado. A person commits abuse of records if the person:

Knowingly makes a false entry or alters a public record; or

Destroys, mutilates, conceals, removes, or impairs the availability of a public record; or

Refuses to deliver a public record upon request 4

In Colorado, “public records” include “all official books, papers, or records created, received, or used by or in any governmental office or agency.”5 Public records may include:

Birth records

Death records

Marriage records

Voting records

City Council meeting minutes

Budget records

Studies and reports

Titles and deeds

Government contracts

2.1. What are the penalties for abuse of public records in Colorado?

Abuse of public records is a class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties abuse of public records in Colorado include 6 to 18 months in jail and a fine from $500 to $5,000.

3. Obstructing Government Operations C.R.S. 18-8-102

The crime of obstructing government operations involves intentionally obstructing, impairing, or hindering a governmental function by a public servant. This includes using threats of violence, force, physical interference, or obstacles.6

Not all incidents of obstructing a public servant is a crime. It is an affirmative defense where:

The public servant was engaged in an unlawful action;

The obstruction, impairment, or hindrance was of the making of an arrest;

The obstruction, impairment, or hindrance of a governmental function was by lawful activities in connection with a labor dispute with the government.7

3.1. What are the penalties for obstructing government operations in Colorado?

Obstructing government operations is a class 3 misdemeanor. If found guilty of obstructing government operations, the penalties include up to six months in jail and a fine of $50 to $750.

4. Compounding C.R.S. 18-8-108

Compounding involves taking money in exchange for not reporting a crime or not seeking prosecution. Under C.R.S. 18-8-108, compounding is the acceptance or agreement to accept any pecuniary benefit in exchange for:

Refraining from seeking prosecution of an offender; or

Refraining from reporting to law enforcement authorities the suspected commission of any crime or information relating to a crime.

For example, let's say Chloe is walking her dog at night when she sees a car swerving on the road and hitting a stop sign, knocking it over. She goes to see if the driver is ok. The driver, Ned, gets out of the car and says he is unharmed. He says he had too much to drink and cannot get a DUI. He offers Chloe $500 if she won't report him to the police. If Chloe accepts the offer, she may be guilty of compounding.

4.1. What are the penalties for compounding in Colorado?

Compounding is a class 3 misdemeanor. If found guilty of compounding, the penalties include up to six months in jail and a fine of $50 to $750.

Call us for help...

If you have been accused of government-related crimes, please contact us at Colorado Legal Defense Group. Our caring Colorado defense attorneys have many years of experience representing clients who have been charged with abuse of records and other government crimes. We are among the best Colorado criminal defense attorneys to call. Contact us today for a free consultation by phone or in-person or in our Denver law office.

Legal References

C.R.S. 18-8-113(1)

C.R.S. 18-1-901(o)

C.R.S. 18-8-113(3)

C.R.S. 18-8-114(1)

C.R.S. 18-8-114(1)

C.R.S. 18-8-102(1)

C.R.S. 18-8-102(2)

C.R.S. 18-8-108

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